Cognition Test (CT)

The Cognition Test

The Cognition Test is a state-of-the-art measurement system to assess cognitive and brain functioning. It is focused on measuring cognitive control functions, such as working memory and response inhibition. The setup is guided by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments in elderly, which makes it particularly suited for measuring age-related cognitive decline. Ultimately, the goal of the Cognition Test is to assess the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive functioning with a set of measurements that are reliable, objective, and much more sensitive than the currently used paper-and-pencil tests. The system will be validated in experiments mimicking the fMRI experiments.

The Cognition Test setup contains functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) optodes that are integrated with electroencephalography (EEG) water electrodes in one cap. Furthermore, the system will be able to concomitantly measure blood pressure, electrocardiography (ECG), electromyography (EMG), exhaled CO2 (%), and behavioral measures such as response times and accuracy. The setup will be portable, lightweight and easy to use in hospital environments.

Autonomous nervous system (ANS) implicit measures are involuntary and thus provide a more objective ways of assessing responses to different food products. The combination of these different measures enables better predictive power.